2006 BMW 318 vs. 2013 Mazda SPEED3
To start off, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (259 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 14 kg more than 2013 Mazda SPEED3.
Because 2006 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda SPEED3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 2013 Mazda SPEED3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | SPEED3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 259 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
